The Nexus program is a somewhat shrouded in mystery. We suspect that Google it running it to a platform upon which it can demonstrate the "pure" version of Android, and to serve as a reference platform from which the other OEMs can look to. It also proves that fairly high-end and high-quality hardware can be made and sold for a very reasonable price -- in the States at least. Thus far, Google has selected one OEM to partner with at a time to make a Google-branded smartphone or a Google-branded tablet -- tablets being the late arrivals to the lineup. So far, Google has partnered with HTC to ...

We may be nearly seven months removed from the initial launch of the second-gen Nexus 7, but Verizon has still not gotten around to officially offering the tablet on its network, despite compatible LTE bands. Recently, though, it's been looking like the carrier was finally coming around to the Nexus 7, and last week we both got an early look at Verizon-branded Nexus 7 accessories, as well as heard a rumored launch date: this Thursday, February 13. As we wait to see if that info's accurate, the retail leaks continue, with a shot of the Nexus 7's packaging, complete with Verizon logo. ...

We've been cautiously optimistic about Canonical's chances for really seeing Ubuntu Touch take off this year, especially with the promise of relationships with OEMs bringing us the first commercial hardware intentionally designed for use with Ubuntu. But thus far, if you've wanted to experiment with the platform, that's meant flashing a Ubuntu ROM to one of several Nexus devices. Unfortunately, your options going forward are going to be a lot more limited, as Canonical announces that support for the majority of Nexus models is being dropped. Last year we were showing you one of those early ...

There’s no denying that the tablet industry has evolved at a tremendous pace in less than three years. For those of us non-believers of the original Microsoft Tablet PC, or even the first iPad and its potential, it was hard to even predict that the services and devices that we see ubiquitous today, would’ve been possible so quickly. That being said, there is no such thing as a perfect tablet, and not every device fits every user. Make sure you watch today’s Top 5 as we talk about the things we all wish to see happening in 2014. We discuss the things that are still not fixed, and the ...

When talking about our smartphones and tablets, there seem to be two things we always want more of: battery life, and speed. Ironically, the two may not be mutually exclusive, since completing tasks faster means the processor can return to a more energy-efficient speed quicker. How the speed boost is achieved will have a significant impact on how much battery life will be saved -- or squandered. Overclocking and overvolting are two popular ways to speed up any device, but they're also notorious for causing more power drain and increased heat -- both will zap your battery fast! There's ...

The LTE version of the 2013 Nexus 7 should work on AT&T, T-Mobile, and even Verizon LTE. That last one isn't as easy as you might think that it should be. Why? Verizon hasn't added the IMEI numbers from the Nexus 7 to their "approved" list. There is a work-around, and it's relatively simple -- but it does require either a helpful store manager, or a little bit of social engineering. Hit play, and watch as I go on-location and under-cover to tell you how to get your Nexus 7 to work on Verizon LTE. The only thing keeping the Nexus 7 from working with Verizon's LTE is the lack of its IMEI ...

Even though most of your holiday shopping is over, we know that there is a slight possibility that Santa didn't leave the gift that you really wanted this Christmas. Still, if you're like any of us, then we're sure you're most probably broke already from so much celebration. The great thing is that it's never too late to get the smartphone or tablet that you wanted, and there are some great devices out there that are worth every penny. Watch today's Top 5 as we talk about some of the best deals you'll find in this holiday season. We're not just talking about devices that are affordable, ...

Watch today's Pocketnow Daily as we talk about Google's same-day delivery of certain Nexus devices. Then we talk about the Geekphone Revolution, which was talked about almost a year a go, and which plans to include iOS and Firefox support. Samsung is next as we talk about the rumors of new line-ups for 2014, including pro and lite tablets. We later shift our focus to the Moto X, as its back on sale again, though for a catch. We end today's show talking about the origins of Android, and how the first iPhone affected it. All this and more after the break. Stories: - Google starts offering ...

Android 4.4 KitKat was introduced when Google released the Nexus 5. Earlier this month we heard of an "incremental update" that was supposed to fix a few things specific to the Nexus 5 called Android 4.4.1. Now, even before the 4.4.1 OTA update reached any of my devices, Android 4.4.2 is being pushed to users. What's with all the updates? What is new in Android 4.4.2 that wasn't in 4.4.1 or 4.4? Bugs and patches One skill I bring to the Pocketnow team is my experience as a software developer. As such I'm intimately aware of the product lifecycle -- and the fact that bugs are everywhere. ...

Watch today's Pocketnow Daily as we talk about the Android 4.4.2 update that just reached Nexus devices, and why it's important. We then go through some of the issues that are haunting Lumia customers due to a bug in the Nokia Camera app. Qualcomm follows the news as its new Snapdragon 410 processor was just announced with 64-bit architecture. We then talk about our Pocketnow Weekly podcast, and our chance to win a nomination for a Stitcher award. We end today's show talking about the Google Edition Sony Xperia Z Ultra and LG G Pad 8.3, aside from the new and white Google Nexus 7. All this ...

We're not even sure everyone managed to grab the Android 4.4.1 update that started rolling out to the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, and some Nexus 7 devices recently, and now Android 4.4.2 is being pushed out to pure-Androids. The update's size might vary but it is a small one (sub-2MB), and it apparently brings bug fixes as well as security enhancements to the table. The build you should expect is KOT49H and is rolling out to all Nexus devices, including last year's Nexus 7, which didn't get the 4.4.1 refresh. Among the changes there are also reports that this update will fix the SMS hack that was ...

The seven-inch Nexus has received its 2013 refresh, and so did the Nexus phone, making the Nexus 10 the only Nexus product to be refreshed. Though it was launched last year, together with the Nexus 7 -- which already got its successor -- we didn't see a refresh this year; some even argue that, due to the generous spec-sheet, it doesn't even need a follow-up, at least not at the moment. This leaves us with the question: what other Nexus tablet is Google preparing? The image below, possibly snapped off of a user agent profile, or a similar description, has been posted by @evleaks, with a ...

Pocketnow Daily gets an average of 300 to 500 comments a day, and sometimes even a thousand. We’d like to thank you all for participating in our question of the day, and we love your feedback so much, that we decided that since we can’t respond to ever single one of your comments, we should at least feature a couple in a weekly video. This is the Pocketnow Daily Recap. Since we only have 3 minutes on every Daily video to go through the hottest news, the weekly recap will serve as a more extensive discussion where we also include your thoughts on the subject. Sadly, for the sake of ...

The Nexus 5 started getting its Android 4.4.1 KitKat update two days ago and the main entry in the change log is the camera fix; while the specs of the phone are great, its camera left many users wanting more. With the latest update, Google hopes to fix this issue; however, Android 4.4.1 is now being also pushed out to Nexus 7 (2013) LTE tablets, and the Nexus 4; meantime, it is hitting AOSP too. While we don't know much about the update, aside from the Nexus 5 camera fix, according to some reports, Google also made improvements in the call quality, auto-brightness settings, and camera ...

Most of us in this industry get asked a lot of questions from people in the market to buy new mobile products. "Which smartphone is the best current deal?" "Should I get this phone or that one?" "Which is the best tablet to buy?" But of all the questions I've been asked in my four years of service to the mobile tech media, there is one question that is inherently more difficult to answer than others: "Should I buy a small or full-sized tablet?" The question is difficult to answer to begin with because … who actually needs a tablet? Should anyone buy a tablet to begin with? Of course, ...

Watch today's Pocketnow Daily as we talk about Google's Nexus 7 deals, which are ironically not better than the deals we had already talked about a couple of days ago. We then talk about the Google Edition phones receiving Android 4.4 KitKat as of today. Then it's patent talk as we go through Samsung's probable new flagship feature for the Galaxy S 5. Apple follows the news as the company has also filed a patent, but this time in order to bring Lytro technology into the cameras of their future devices. We end today's show talking about the launch of the Moto G in the United States. All ...

Watch today's Pocketnow Daily as we talk about Nokia's new sale whenever you buy the new Lumia 2520 Windows tablet. We later go through more deals as retailers have dropped the price of the Google Nexus 7. Motorola follows the news as the company has just hired a 3D printing firm to take care of Project Ara. Leaks of Samsung's plans to upgrade the Galaxy Line-up to Android 4.4 KitKat follow after that. We end today's show talking about certain leaks showing a metal frame for the possible Samsung Galaxy S5. All this and more after the break. Stories: - Nokia offering free Power Keyboard ...

Google's latest flagship, the Nexus 5, has been out for a little while, but it includes a feature that's been out for a while longer: support for Qi wireless chargers. Qi is one of two main wireless charging standards. Ironically, Google has put their money behind the "other one", but LG supports Qi -- bringing Qi support to the LG-made Nexus 4 and LG-made Nexus 5. The 2013 Nexus 7 also includes Qi support. The concept is simple, plug in a pad of some sort, and simply lay your device on top of it, and it will wirelessly charge. It's amazingly convenient and something that I won't do ...

With so many questions day by day about viewers still considering an iPad Air or a Microsoft's new Surface Pro 2, we know the ropes are complicated this holiday season if you’re out to get yourself a new tablet. 2013 has shown just how great technology can evolve in the mobile space, and there’s a lot to choose from. Some may agree that tablets have stagnated in their innovation, while others feel that you can only invent the wheel so many times. Watch today’s Top 5 as we talk about our top picks for your next tablet during Fall 2013. It’s been a very innovative year for some ...

No, dear Nexus 7, my system is not up to date! Android 4.3 is not the latest version out there; Android 4.4 KitKat is, and, according to Google, the roll-out process has started on November 12, five days ago. The Nexus 7, both the 2012 and 2013 versions, alongside the Nexus 10, were targeted with the statement. Well, in our particular case, regardless of how often we check for updates manually, we still get the the same response, pictured above. One of the advantages of rocking a Nexus device is timely updates. Sure you can hack the latest version of Android 4.4 KitKat on your tablet, but ...

So far, the only device officially running Android 4.4 KitKat was the Nexus 5, though there were plenty of 4.4-based ROMs for several other devices, thanks to the community. However, Google decided to finally change the status quo, as other Nexus-branded devices will start getting the latest version of Android as of today. "Starting today, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 will be getting a tasty update to Android 4.4, KitKat", says the official tweet from the Android account. You might want to start abusing the 'check for updates' button. Good news for other Nexus device owners too: ...

Before anyone gets their hopes up, as of right this instant, the only device that has an official build of Android 4.4 KitKat is Google's own Nexus 5. That will change as soon as Google releases updates for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10, and as other OEMs begin pushing updates to their flagship devices. HTC has already committed to releasing its updates "within 90 days". In the meantime, Google has already pushed KitKat into the AOSP, and you know what that means: custom ROMs! Custom ROMs come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of stability. Some are rock solid, and some may turn your ...

Android 4.4 KitKat is literally days old, so how can you get it on your Android-powered smartphone or tablets? Luckily, Google released the code into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and developers have been working non-stop to bring the latest goodness to otherwise unsupported devices. Are you feeling a little daring and want to give KitKat a try on your device? If so, here's what you'll need to do: 0. Assume the risk Doing this sort of thing could render your device useless -- or awesome -- but don't continue unless you're willing to assume the risk. 1. Prerequisites Next, you'll ...

Yesterday we've seen an unknown tablet being featured on a Google Android website, namely the the Apps & Entertainment section. There was a lot of speculation on whether it is a simple Photoshop mock-up, web-graphic-designer being carrier away, or a prototype of an upcoming, so far unknown slate, claimed by many to be the Nexus 8. Well, because of all the hype, Google has now replaced the image, as you can see in our collage above. We're no longer seeing that small-bezel-slate, but, instead, the Nexus 7 is being displayed front and center. This doesn't mean that the chances for the ...

After far too much speculation, lots of waiting, and a surprise name-change in the middle of things, Android 4.4 KitKat is official. It's not the huge card-based UI overhaul that we thought it might be, and it doesn't introduce a Pie-like launcher, but it is filled with sweet goodness. So, sit back and let's break off a piece of that KitKat bar OS and see what new KitKat features Android 4.4 brings. Tighter Google Now integration We've been asking for tighter integration with Google Now since we first saw it. Android 4.4 KitKat finally brings that. Similar to the Moto X, Android ...